Welsh's All-around Skills On Display In Final

RICHMOND — Woodside junior Stefan Welsh plays a complete game in the Wolverines' victory against Landstown, handing out six assists to go with his 18 points.

Last year, Stefan Welsh would have kept on shooting, no matter the degree of difficulty, distance from the bucket or result of his previous attempt.

"When his shot wouldn't fall, he would drop his head and keep forcing shots," teammate Calvin Baker said.

This year's Stefan Welsh -- the more mature and well-rounded Stefan Welsh -- was on full display in Woodside's Group AAA state boys basketball title game against Landstown. Welsh made only six of his 18 shots, but he had six assists and six rebounds in the Wolverines' 74-71 win over Landstown for their second consecutive state title.

"I can do more than just score the ball," said Welsh, who added 18 points in 31 minutes. "I can defend and I can pass. I wanted to get everybody involved because I knew we would need everybody to win."

Said coach John Richardson: "No question, it shows his maturity. He had a great state tournament in the fact that he was attacking. He didn't settle for the 3-point shot."

Welsh was 2-of-9 from 3-point territory so in the second half, he started shooting mid-range jumpers and driving to the bucket. He was 4-of-9 shooting in the second half.

Woodside had four players in double figures and Welsh had several fine passes in transition to find open teammates, including a no-look dish to Baker for a lay-up and a feed through traffic to Sam Atupem for a dunk.

"Last year, I would have tried to force the issue," he said. "I knew they were going to focus on me and Calvin so I tried to get the other guys going early and that helped them late because they had confidence."

In addition to growing up, Richardson pointed to Welsh's moxie as a key. When his shot wasn't falling, he still wanted the ball.

"He brings us a championship swagger that helps us in tight situations," Richardson said. "He's the best player I have ever coached from the standpoint of, he wants to make plays when the times are tight. He did a better job against (Landstown) this time of taking what he was given. And the result was six assists.

"Whenever he has a stat line like he did tonight, we'll be successful."

Welsh made two plays when the times got tight against Landstown.

With the scored tied at 68, Landstown's Percy Harvin's dunk attempt was blocked by Sam Atupem. After another Eagles miss, Baker rebounded and threw a pass downcourt to a streaking Welsh, who scored the lay up with 63 seconds remaining, putting Woodside up for good.

"I wanted to get (downcourt) because I knew Landstown would have five guys crashing because it was such a close game," Welsh said.

Finally, for Woodside's last bucket of the season, Welsh had a twisting dunk with 13 seconds remaining. He may be team-first, but Welsh still has some showman in him.

"I knew I had to do something for the crowd," he said. "Sam started with a dunk in the first quarter and I had to capitalize on my chance." *